Archie Panjabi has confirmed that she won't be returning to The Fall for its much-anticipated third series - but will be tuning in as a fan.

The actress played inscrutable pathologist Tanya Reed Smith in both series, who went on to have a flirtation with Gillian Anderson's enigmatic DSI Stella Gibson.

The Good Wife star told Digital Spy of her departure: "Sadly, the schedules didn't work out with that, but I absolutely will be tuning in to watch it, as not only am I a fan of the show, I'm good friends with Gillian and very fond of Jamie [Dornan] and the team.

"So I'm looking forward to that, which I think is out soon."

On working with Anderson and Dornan - who plays serial killer Paul Spector - she continued: "It was excellent.

The six-parter is from the team behind last year's election comedy Ballot Monkeys, and will cover the EU referendum and Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

Speaking about the show, the star added: "Trump is definitely providing a lot of entertainment for Power Monkeys. I think there's a lot of tension and uncertainty [in the US] and the great thing about this show is that people can unwind and poke fun at the EU - and him."